Nigeria entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders need an eVisa to enter Nigeria in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for Swiss citizens. The eVisa is valid for a single entry, and the maximum stay is determined at the port of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Nigeria eVisa | Apply online at the Nigeria Immigration Service portal before you travel. The eVisa is a single-entry permit, typically processed within 3-5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to present on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Nigeria. Immigration officers at Lagos and Abuja check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Confirmed outbound flight | You need a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you'll leave Nigeria before your visa expires. Airlines at Zurich and Geneva check this before issuing a boarding pass — no onward ticket means no flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Nigeria ready. Immigration officers at Lagos may ask for it during the entry interview — a printed booking confirmation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a bank statement from the last 3 months showing at least $1,000 USD or equivalent in Naira. Immigration officers occasionally ask to see proof you can support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccination required
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) to enter Nigeria. Immigration officers at Lagos and Abuja airports routinely check for it. If you don't have one, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
Keep your eVisa printout handy
Airlines check for the eVisa at check-in, and Nigerian immigration will ask for it. A digital copy on your phone is not reliable — network coverage at the airport can be patchy.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Nigeria Immigration Service portal (portal.immigration.gov.ng). Fill in the application, upload your passport photo and passport scan, pay the fee (around $160–$200 depending on processing speed), and submit. Processing takes 3–5 business days on average.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an eVisa approval letter by email. Print it — you'll need a physical copy at check-in and at immigration in Lagos or Abuja.
3
Arrive at a Nigerian airport
You'll land at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) in Abuja. Follow signs to 'Immigration' — there's a dedicated counter for eVisa holders.
4
Present documents at immigration
Hand over your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. The officer will take your fingerprints and a photo. You'll get an entry stamp — check the date they write in (your allowed stay).
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually a quick bag scan. You're free to go after that.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost₦20,000 (~$50 USD)
Standard tourist visa for a single visit.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost₦40,000 (~$100 USD)
Ideal for frequent travelers.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost₦30,000 (~$75 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Nigerian company.
work visa
Expatriate Quota Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
₦150,000 (~$375 USD) plus processing fees
For foreign workers employed by a Nigerian company. Requires a job offer and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable annually
₦50,000 (~$125 USD) plus school fees
For enrolled students at recognized Nigerian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Permit / Investor Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
₦500,000 (~$1,250 USD) plus registration fees
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD in a Nigerian business. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | ₦20,000 (~$50 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ₦40,000 (~$100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of ₦50,000 (~$125 USD). | ₦1,000 (~$2.50 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Nigeria
No transit visa needed
Swiss passport holders transiting through Nigeria do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Nigerian visa or residence permit may transit without visa.
Transit hubsMurtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) · Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) · Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC)
Health & vaccines for Nigeria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travelers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Nigeria; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; food and water precautions advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for all travelers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Abuja
Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters
Plot 1161, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Lagos
Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos Command
23, Marina Street, Lagos Island
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa issues for the commercial hub.
Practical information for CH travellers
Country basics
CapitalAbuja
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 3 months.
Money
CurrencyNigerian naira (NGN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,369.42 NGN
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,GType D (3-pin round) and Type G (3-pin rectangular) plugs
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Switzerland is not eligible for visa on arrival. You must apply for an eVisa before you travel.
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. Rush processing is sometimes available for an extra fee.
The standard eVisa fee is around $160–$200 USD, depending on the processing speed you choose. Payment is made online during the application.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply, or apply for a different visa type before your current one expires.
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. Carry your yellow card — immigration may ask for it.
You may be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Always carry a physical printout of the eVisa approval letter.
The eVisa is valid for entry at all international airports and designated land borders. Check the Nigeria Immigration Service website for the latest list of approved entry points.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.